One Love – Two Hearts – Three Stories
by J Dawn King
The title of
the latest release by J Dawn King, One Love – Two Hearts – Three Stories,
is perfect for this book and I do love it. All three stories are about Darcy
and Elizabeth. One of the things that I fancy best about them is that each
story has much time with Darcy and Lizzy in company. Add to their together time,
an extremely good plot and you have some fine reading. It does not get much
better than that.
The first
short story is ‘The Library’. It
takes place at Netherfield Park when Elizabeth is there to care for Jane. The
author took this instance from Pride and
Prejudice and elaborated on it. She gave it her spin with a great ‘what
could have happened’. Then there was the footman who stood guard at the library
door. He was a likable character and his role added a fun dimension. ‘The
Library’ was a charming variation that I much enjoyed.
‘Married!’ is the second story and it is a full
length book. I must say that I adored this one. Darcy is wonderful and made me
love him all the more. Lizzy is true to character and lovely too. Mr. Gardiner,
Lady Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam are three of my favorites as supporting
cast, although the Colonel does play a larger role. Lord Matlock and Lady
Catherine are two peas in a pod and a despicable pair at that. Georgiana is a
spoiled teenager but does have some endearing qualities. She grows under the careful
tutelage of Lady Matlock and her new sister.
In one part
of the story, Colonel Fitzwilliam is watching a scene between Darcy, Elizabeth
and the ever distasteful Mr. Collins. Following are his thoughts…’He watched Darcy and Elizabeth stand as one
against the pompous pimple. Yes, it would be a great partnership.’ I laughed
at that suitable description of Mr. Collins. Pompous pimple, indeed!
There are so
many brilliant parts to ‘Married!’ and I highly recommend reading it. It is
wonderful to read the scenes where Darcy and Lizzy are growing closer and
falling in love. All does not run
smoothly but that makes the path to happily ever after all the more deserving. Oh,
but one of the most delicious scenes was when Caroline Bingley discovered that
Elizabeth was Mrs. Darcy. I had to reread that one several times to savor the
moment! Well done, Ms. King!
The last of
the three and a short story, is ‘Ramsgate’.
The interesting twist to this plot is that the Bennets and the Gardiners are in
Ramsgate and meet Georgiana Darcy. As one would assume, George Wickham and Mrs.
Younge are also there but that is where the similarities to the happenings at Ramsgate
end. It is entertaining to watch Darcy and Elizabeth getting acquainted and to
see how different their relationship is in this ‘what-if’.
“Elizabeth Bennet was impertinent and
Darcy’s heart was lost. His will was like iron, hardened by adversity and fire.
His heart was virginal, untouched by tender thoughts of any woman, until today.”
I love those lines in ‘Ramsgate’! Such an apt
description of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
These
stories are full of romance and some angst, but mostly overall good feelings. The
plots move along and hold interest throughout. They are well told and well
written. I didn’t want to put the book down and hated for each story to end. Anyone
that enjoys reading Pride and Prejudice
retellings and variations will treasure this book. Thank you, J Dawn King, for
a very good read.
On a
personal note, Joy, I think it fine that Mr. Bingley took a back seat to Mr.
Darcy once again. These stories are delightful and I, for one, am glad to see
them released in book form. It was a pleasure reading them. Bingley’s time will
come when you are ready for it and when Darcy quits milling around in your head
with new stories of his own. Until then, keep these new storylines coming! J
If anyone wants to leave a comment on my review, that will double your chances of winning the giveaway at the interview post with J Dawn King on this blog. Again, please remember to leave your contact info to be entered in the giveaway. The last day is June 18, 2015.
Thank you so much for your kind words. This was definitely a labor of love for me.
ReplyDeleteI could tell that it was. Very good, Joy!
DeleteLoved the review, Janet!
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing such happy stories, Joy! Can't wait to read them, 1 Love -2 Hearts -3 Stories is WAY up there at the top of my TBR for the holiday, along with 'Ardently' and Suddenly Mrs Darcy. Not sure I can even wait that long!
Well, I hope you get a chance to sit back and enjoy all three of those books. I've read the other two and you are in for a treat.
DeleteThanks, Joana. Hope you get to read all books soon. I haven't read 'Ardently' yet but it is on my TBR list too.
DeleteI hope to get the chance (and money) to read this stories. They seem fun and uplifting.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. You are entered for commenting here and for my other post. That's two chances. It's looking pretty good right now.
DeleteThe review certainly piqued my interest to read the book. Thanks for offering the chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteevangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
You are certainly welcome. Best wishes for the giveaway.
DeleteSounds good! Thanks for the extra chance!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. The more names in the hat (actually a large bowl), the better. Best wishes to you.
DeleteHadn't heard of the book or author before but I enjoyed the review.
ReplyDeletecatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm tickled you've heard of me now. Hope you get a chance to read my story. This enters you twice.
DeleteI'm so glad you did, Michelle. I hope you get a chance to read Joy's books.
DeleteThanks for the reviews, Janet. I look forward to enjoying reading them myself!
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by, Ginna. Hope you get to read the stories.
DeleteI sure do hope you get the opportunity, Ginna. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDelete